Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Things are going well here in the Pyne household. Sawyer and I had a great trip to see family and friends in Pennsylvania and DC. We drove out with my parents to PA, and then Sawyer and I flew home from DC. He fell asleep as we were taking off, and woke up as we landed. I am sure people thought I drugged him, but I didn't-I swear. We just happened to be flying during his nap time.We had a fun time swimming, eating, playing, and catching up with everyone. I got to see my friend Alyssa, who was home for a few weeks from Berlin and her family. We've known each other since we were really young and were roommates in college. We also got to visit with my Grandma Agnes, Aunt Laurie and her 3 children. Sawyer was a good little traveler and did not do anything that required a gas station bath : ) We had so much fun, but we both missed Greg, and were excited to be reunited as a family.While we were gone, I was given strict instructions by Greg to not let Sawyer start walking while we were away from him. Sawyer was obedient, and started walking soon after we got home! He is still pretty unsteady, but he averages about 5 steps before he lunges for the closest thing to balance himself on. His record is 10 steps. His little face is a mixture of excitement and terror as he toddles around. He has also discovered that he can step on top of things to get taller-yay for us-climbing and walking all at once! This little trick has resulted in the removal of the crib bumpers from his bed. We need to get a video of him walking and playing his favorite game of chase.He had his 9 month checkup which went well. He is weighing in at 22 pounds, 4.5 ounces, is 31 inches tall, and his noggin is 48 cm in circumference. He is still off the charts for his height and head, and is in the 75-80% for his weight. He didn't have to get shots, which is always a good thing. He has 2 more teeth coming in on the bottom, bringing him to a total of 8 teeth.I am going to totally change the subject, hence the hodgepodge. I really am wanting to become a better cook, so I look to the internet for recipes and guidance. I have been using a website for the last couple of months that I absolutely love. I like everything that I've made so far. The recipes are delicious, well-written, have pictures, and use pretty normal ingredients. It is calledOurbestbites.com My favorites so far are the Baked Creamy Chicken Taquitos, Thai Peanut Noodles, Grilled Pizza, Stuffed Pizza Rolls and the Spicy Honey Chicken. Yummo!I have also stumbled across another site that I think I am going to love. It is called Picky-palate.com. I have only made one thing so far, and they were super delicious and easy.They are called Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownie Bites. I made them for a YW activity and they were a hit! Here's the recipe and a picture of the goodness. They were so easy, and I bet you have all of the ingredients in your pantry.

1 brownie mix such as Pillsbury (I used a Betty Crocker one for a 9x13 pan, and it was the perfect amount)

2 Cups semi sweet chocolate chips1/4 Cup peanut butter

1. Prepare brownie mix according to package directions. Bake until toothpick comes out nearly clean from center but still slightly undercooked-about 3-5 minutes less than what the box says. Remove from oven and let cool for 15 minutes. When you are able to touch brownies comfortably, scoop brownies with a medium cookie scoop or spoon, roll tightly into a ball and place onto a wax paper lined baking sheet. Continue rolling until brownies are gone. Freeze brownies until very firm, a couple hours or overnight. No worries if your brownie balls aren’t perfect, once frozen reshape them. They are easier to handle when chilled.

2. Place chocolate chips over a double broiler (or heat in microwave until smooth) to melt, then stir in peanut butter until creamy smooth. Roll each frozen brownie ball into chocolate and place onto wax paper to dry. Enjoy room temperature or chilled.